You can get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option is to take the ADO bus, which costs USD 18 and takes a bit over 1 hour.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle, offering the most frequent departures.
The fastest way is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 50 minutes.
With this guide in hand, you’ll find the best ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport and get a glimpse of the adventures that await.
Transportation Options
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle | 1 hr | $24 to 74 |
| ADO Bus | ~1 hr | $18 |
| Private Transfer | ~1 hr | $74 to145 |
| Taxi | 50 min | $80 |
| Rental Car | 50 min | – |
How far is Playa Del Carmen from Cancun Airport?
The distance fromPlaya del Carmen to Cancun Airport is 34 miles or 55 kilometers. It usually takes less than an hour to get there!
Getting to Cancun Airport from Playa Del Carmen
1. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 1 hour
Shared transfers are a practical solution for travelers on a budget.
Shared shuttles are air-conditioned and insured and will pick you up from your hotel.
Playa Del Carmen shuttle offers several fares throughout the day, so you may choose which one to take. Shuttles leave almost every hour, so you don’t have to worry about missing a flight.
The table below displays the shared shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 09:00am | 1h | $24 |  |
| 09:00am | 10:00am | 1h | $24 | |
| 09:00am | 10:00am | 1h | $75 | |
| 10:00am | 11:00am | 1h | $24 | |
| 10:00am | 11:00am | 1h | $75 | |
| 11:00am | 12:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 11:00am | 12:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 12:00pm | 01:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 12:00pm | 01:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 01:00pm | 02:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 01:00pm | 02:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 02:00pm | 03:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 02:00pm | 03:00pm | 1h | $75 | |
| 03:00pm | 04:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 03:00pm | 04:00pm | 1h | $65 | |
| 04:00pm | 05:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 04:00pm | 05:00pm | 1h | $65 | |
| 05:00pm | 06:00pm | 1h | $65 | |
| 06:00pm | 07:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
| 06:00pm | 07:00pm | 1h | $65 | |
| 07:00pm | 08:00pm | 1h | $24 | |
2. ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 1 hour
ADO has a fleet of modern buses equipped with air conditioning and TVs. Those buses are super safe and store luggage under the bus and small bags in overhead compartments.
However, it is recommended that you keep any valuables you have on your lap and never put them away.
Buses run frequently and at different times of day. Choose your bus departure time in accordance with your flight.
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Depature | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:00am | 04:10am | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 04:00am | 05:10am | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 05:00am | 06:10am | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 06:15am | 07:20am | 1h 5m | $18 | |
| 07:00am | 08:10am | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 08:30am | 09:30am | 1h | $18 | |
| 09:30am | 10:40am | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 10:10am | 11:15am | 1h 5m | $18 | |
| 11:30am | 12:40pm | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 12:40pm | 01:50pm | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 01:50pm | 03:00pm | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 04:00pm | 05:10pm | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 05:30pm | 06:40pm | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 07:00pm | 08:10pm | 1h 10m | $18 | |
| 07:45pm | 08:50pm | 1h 5m | $18 | |
| 08:20pm | 09:40pm | 1h 20m | $18 | |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Do you want a hassle-free travel experience? Choose a private transfer!
Suppose you are planning to take a private transfer from Playa Del Carmen. In that case, I recommend pre-booking since it promises you a driver who speaks English, guarantees your comfort and privacy, and provides flexibility. The transfer is in an insured, new, and conditioned vehicle.
A private shuttle from your hotel in Playa Del Carmen to Cancun International Airport is more convenient for larger groups of travelers than the shared shuttle. Plus, you can arrange your departure time and make additional stops whenever necessary.
Arrive at the airport on time, and don’t worry about missing your flight!
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 74
- 8-10 passengers: USD 88
- 11-16 passengers: USD 145
5. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
Car travel is one of the best ways to reach Cancun International Airport from Playa Del Carmen. With a car, you can also travel around the Yucatan peninsula and explore some of its attractions, such as Chichen Itza or the pink lakes of Las Coloradas.
The website Rentalcars.com provides comparisons of rental prices from the major companies. Different rental vehicle prices depend on your choice (such as a sedan or an SUV).
6. Taxi
Journey Duration: 50 minutes
Although a taxi can be more expensive than taking the bus from Playa Del Carmen, it is undoubtedly one of the fastest and most comfortable ways to get to Cancun Airport.
As the distance is insignificant, this option is also worth considering if you do not wish to arrange transportation in advance. The ride will cost approximately USD 75-80, but you can negotiate a lower rate to avoid getting scammed.
Best day tours in Cancun
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi?
No matter where you are, a taxi ride will be expensive. It costs 670 pesos to travel from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun or 700 to the Cancun Hotel Zone, but prices may always vary, so keep that in mind.
How early should I get to Cancun airport?
It is generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight departs.
What is the best month to go to Playa del Carmen?
When visiting Playa del Carmen, we recommend going between April and May, when fewer people are along the shore. The daytime temperature hovers between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping slightly as evening approaches. During October and March, the weather is typically dry and warm.
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